Those taking a Montgomery DNA test or paternity tests can have them tested at one of six testing laboratories to discover many things about themselves or their siblings.

We shall look further into this by looking at the kinds of DNA tests that are available to US citizens.

Paternity Tests

A paternity test can be important to family life and eliminate the kinds of suspicion that have the potential to blight lives. Sometimes it is important to know the truth. It can be exactly what you want to hear, then everyone can get on with their lives as a natural family.

This kind of test will determine the biological father of a child by examining DNA samples that are taken from the child and the father. It is at present the most accurate method of determining parentage, although not the only one, as you will see below.

A mother’s permission is not required for peace of mind paternity tests if the child’s father is parentally responsible for the child. Where a mother must give consent for children to have the DNA test, the court can override a refusal where it is in the child’s best interest that the sample is taken.

Regardless of whether you use an at home paternity test, or if you go to a professional company in your area, you will find that you will only have to wait several days for the results. Though it may seem like a lifetime, it is very unlikely that you will receive your results sooner unless, of course, you decide to pay additional fees for same-day results. You also won’t have to worry about the results getting into the wrong hands as this information is restricted, just like your medical records are. So, if you are looking for peace of mind, be sure to carry out a paternity test to get some definitive answers.

Studies Concerning Relatives

The kinds of studies that can be conducted concerning relatives include:

Grandparent DNA tests – a 100% accurate test that is best performed on both grandparents but can be performed on just one grandparent to check for grandchildren.

Avuncular testing – an indirect paternity test that is conducted with a sample from an alleged aunt or uncle to see if there is a related niece or nephew.

Sibling studies – will compare siblings within or between families to see if they are related.

The above tests will indicate if someone is biologically related or not. A long-lost relative can be found this way. Many new families have been confirmed as a result. It can be a peace of mind to know. Everyone is aware, though, that the result may or may not be what they want to hear. They will be prepared for that.

Tests can happen well after events and do so with all DNA testing except for parental testing. Distant DNA can be used to determine things when the close relatives are no longer around or accessible because of having perhaps moved abroad. Technology is constantly advancing, and DNA testing has been one of these areas where the service has been extended.

Postmortem DNA Testing

It is not too late when someone has died to obtain a DNA test if there is something important to know. This is where postmortem testing can prove helpful.

Postmortem genetic testing is carried out on a sample taken from a deceased. The general aim of this kind of testing will be to identify the cause of death and/or identify any blood relatives that might be at risk from sudden death or genetic disease.

To perform a postmortem DNA, it is necessary by law to have the deceased’s next of kin sign a consent form so that a blood spot sample is released by the coroner to the DNA lab.

There is a study that was put forward which discovered that half of the DNA bonds would break down after 521 years and the other half 521 years after that. This allows plenty of time for DNA to be taken from a deceased, provided they have not been cremated. Although nobody is suggesting that cemeteries should be dug up.

It is useful to know that there are many ways to obtain DNA samples. It can be as easy as obtaining a hair or fingernail for testing.

Many of the types of tests mentioned above will function as evidence to support legal cases. They will mean that birth certificates can be altered or corrected, for instance. Postmortem DNA tests will be helpful as far as identifying hereditary diseases.